The book starts out with a look at different types of multicolor yarn, with a lot of detailed information on the different types of variegated and handpainted yarns out there.

There’s a whole chapter on how to knit with hand-dyed yarns so that there is no obvious difference between the skeins, a common problem when using handpaints.

There’s a chapter on incorporating texture, complete with a set of stitch patterns (illustrated in full color) along with a couple of patterns, including this one for a pair of fun mittens.

There’s also chapters on slipped stitches, tucked stitches, using the wrong-side of your work, et cetera, all with stitch dictionaries and patterns to knit.

I particularly like this sweater:

Here’s an example of one of the stitch dictionary sections:

And a pattern for a very pretty set of fingerless mitts.

There are sections on working with stripes, fair isle, lace, and mixing weights and textures, plus a set of great resources at the back of the book. Each of these ten chapters has its own stitch dictionary and two patterns that use the techniques explained in the chapter.

Even if you never knit the patterns (but they are very attractive and knittable, so you will more than likely find several you want to make) this book is a gold mine. If you are anything like me, you have lots of variegated and handpainted yarns. With this book you can figure out lots of things to use your handpaints for if you are sick of socks. There’s actually only one sock pattern in the book. The rest are sweaters, wraps, vests, throws, a set of placemats, a hat, a laptop case, and more.

Second . . .

My hat in progress!

That’s the state of my hat after one day’s commuter knitting.

Yesterday I knit a quick swatch. My goal was to get 6 stitches to the inch over a 2×2 rib and I achieved that on a 4.0 mm (U.S. size 6) needle.

I cast on 96 stitches, joined, and started knitting in the round. I was able to use a 24″ needle because this hat is nice and stretchy. I find a 24″ needle much easier to maneuver than a 16-incher, so that makes me happy.

Third . . .

My sweater has one sleeve.

I sucked it up and went ahead and sewed the one sleeve completed to the body and did up the side seam. But since I do have two arms, I did start the second sleeve.

Comments

While I’m not exactly sick of socks, given the size of my sock yarn stash and hours available for knitting, I could use some inspiration!
.-= MicheleinMaine´s last blog ..Pink Flower Accessory Case =-.

You know, it’s definitely nice. I finish off my workday (since I’m working from home these days, 4:30 usually becomes 5 or thereabouts — well, I don’t have to commute, at least) and open Facebook and there’s Wendy’s link to her blog reminding me to check in. It’s always a great end to my workday to see what’s on your blog and what Lucy was doing when you had the camera in hand. Always provides an incentive to finish something I have in progress, too.

WIP and target to finish next: A wrap shrug (top) from Verena in white cotton/silk for DDIL. It originally was for her late August birthday, but she got a different one (pattern by Norah Gaughan for Berroco) that was finished and ready and this will be either given as soon as it’s finished or wait for Chanukah.

That is a cool book! And I really like the yarn that you are using for the hat.

If you don’t mind me asking, what sort of cast-on did you use for your hat? I’m getting ready to start mine (it’s also a 2×2 rib) and I am wondering if there’s a cast-on that’s better to use than my standard long tail. I’ve googled around but there seems to be more info about casting off ribs than casting on. Thanks!

I have a ? about the “Decatur” hats. My yarn arrived today, but I won’t be home for another 2 weeks and I won’t be able to knit it that fast. Is there a way to send in the hat after the deadline? Thanks

Your sweaters are so beautiful. I want to make both of them. I finished my first hat this AM. It is a pretty burgundy heather in Cascade 220 superwash. I think it will be nice for a lady. I’m also making a large one in navy, I’ll start it tomorrow.
That book is one I really need to have. I love hand-dyed yarn.

I went directly to Amazon and placed my order for this book! I’ve got a number of skeins of hand-dyed/painted yarns I’ve been putting off using. Not entirely certain how I feel about pooling… been kind of saving them until I have some time to learn more about issues relative to handpainted yarns and this looks like it’ll fit the bill just fine! Thanks for sharing!

Looks like I’ll not be able to start any hats until the weekend, but they’ll go really fast, right? 🙂
.-= Elianastar´s last blog ..Of ships- hats- &amp holidays =-.

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